Nurse Practitioner Salary, Education, and Duties

A nurse practitioner is similar to a registered nurse in many ways and similar to a doctor in others. This is reflected in the rewarding nurse practitioner jobs. A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has gone on to receive a master’s degree. In addition, he or she will have specialized training in diagnosing and treating common illnesses and conditions. This will include those which are chronic. Some nurse practitioners choose to open their own practice while others work in conjunction with a hospital or doctor. Individualized care is the focus of these medical professionals along with wellness, prevention and patient education. The duties one will perform as a nurse practitioner are varied.

Not only does a nurse practitioner provide referrals and collaborate with doctors, he or she counsels and educates patients on proper care regarding their illness or condition. Acute and chronic conditions may be treated by a nurse practitioner and diagnostic studies may be completed. In addition, someone trained in this field can prescribe medications while also performing physical therapy. Annual physicals and well baby checks are a part of being a nurse practitioner.

One may opt to specialize in a particular field. Hospice centers often use the services of hospice centers to help care for those who are terminal. The nurse practitioner will work to improve patient quality of life during his final days. Nursing homes also employ nurse practitioners for similar reasons. Others choose to focus on midwifery or pre- and post-menopausal care. Whatever your interests are, a career as a nurse practitioner most likely will allow you to fulfill your dreams and achieve your goals.

The Nurse Practitioner Salary will vary greatly depending on both where you live and where you practice. A nurse practitioner at a correction facility can expect an average salary of $120,000. For those who work in a hospital or critical care, the average salary will be in the neighborhood of $115,000. A nurse practitioner who is employed as a medical assistant in primary care will make an average of $40,000 while those who act as a physician’s assistant can expect to be paid $80,000. No matter which area you choose to work in, your pay will reflect your duties.